10 Foods You Should Never Eat Raw.

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Eating raw is a big health food trend, but there are many
ways in which raw food can be harmful to your digestive system. A high content
of cellulose makes some foods very hard to digest, while others can contain
harmful bacteria.

Whether they taste good or not, here are some of the foods you
should never eat raw. Eliminating the risk of a potentially harmful disease is
the most important thing to consider, but some foods can also lead to bloating,
gas and even mess with your thyroid gland when they’re not properly cooked.

1. Eggs

They’re an excellent source of protein, but raw eggs also
carry the risk of salmonella. Forget about the image of body builders drinking
raw eggs in the morning and always make sure that you cook them. Other products
that include raw eggs, like raw cookie dough, carry the same risk. If you’re
going to eat raw eggs or use them in dishes without cooking, make sure they’re
pasteurized.

2. Cruciferous
Vegetables

Raw cruciferous veggies, including broccoli, cabbage,
cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, can be difficult to digest. They can even
cause bloating and gas when they’re cooked. However, they’re one of the foods
you should never eat raw because they contain chemicals that alter the
production of thryroid hormone. If you’re already suffering from thyroid
issues, they’ll make symptoms worse, and can even lead to developing hypothyroidism.

3. Chicken, Beef or Pork
Tartare

Whether it’s raw or just undercooked, meat is always risky.
Raw chicken can contain salmonella, while pork and beef are even more
dangerous. You’ll risk infections with E. coli, digestive parasites like
roundworm and tapeworm, and you might also exposing yourself to toxoplasmosis,
which is especially dangerous for pregnant women.

4. Red Kidney Beans

They’re dangerous when they’re undercooked, but red kidney
beans are definitely one of the foods you should never eat raw. They should be
soaked for hours before cooking, because they contain lectin, a toxin that can
cause an upset stomach, nausea and even vomiting. According to the FDA, eating
as little as five raw kidney beans can cause these symptoms.

5. Rhubarb Leaves

Many vegetables and green contain oxalic acid, a dangerous
compound that can cause kidney damage, but rhubarb leaves are the most
poisonous ones. They should be separated from the stalks when
harvesting, but
if they’re not, make sure you also remove the base of the stems. If you
eat raw
rhubarb leaves, seek medical attention immediately.

6. Alfalfa Sprouts

They’re one of the foods you should never eat raw during
pregnancy, but too many alfalfa sprouts can also cause health issues outside of
it. They can contain Salmonella and E. Coli bacteria, and they’re also
dangerous if you have a weakened immune system. Raw alfalfa sprouts should also
be avoided if you’re suffering from inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune
diseases.

7. Chaya

Popular in Mexican and Central American cuisines, chaya is
also known as tree spinach. While it’s a rich source of antioxidants and also
has higher levels of vitamin A, protein, calcium, and iron than other leafy
greens, chaya leaves should never be eaten raw. They contain cyanide, and need
to be boiled for 5 minutes before becoming edible.

8. Raw Chocolate

Because chocolate is a fermented food, it’s definitely one
of the foods you should never eat raw. Cocoa beans are also dangerous when
eaten raw, and without proper sterilization, any kind of chocolate that claims
to be raw can expose you to dozens of pathogens.

9. Green Potatoes

The green parts in potatoes are caused by solanine, a
chemical which can be toxic and cause symptoms ranging from nausea to
headaches. You’ll also find hemagglutinins in raw potatoes, and this substance
can have a harmful effect on red blood cell function. Sweet potatoes are less
dangerous when eaten raw, but they can still cause digestive issues, including
gas.